In the Roman domus, the peristyle consists of a large courtyard surrounded by a colonnaded four-sided portico. This room usually had the function of hortus conclusus, an enclosed garden, decorated with statues and ornamental plants, often with pools and fountains. Porticoed courtyards were also bu...

In the Roman domus, the peristyle consists of a large courtyard surrounded by a colonnaded four-sided portico. This room usually had the function of hortus conclusus, an enclosed garden, decorated with statues and ornamental plants, often with pools and fountains. Porticoed courtyards were also bui...

The hall is a quadrangular room of greater importance than the room used in the domus for reception. Its solemnity is underlined by the presence of an apse, which expands the space, covered by a segmental hemisphere; sometimes there are columns that enhance the connection between the semi-dome of th...

In some areas of Sicily, some Roman villas dating back to the 3rd to 4th century AD have been identified. A particularly well known seaside villa situated along the northern coast of Sicily is Patti Marina, in the town of Tindari. The excavations brought to light a vast area that might include both...

In some areas of Sicily, some Roman villas dating back to the 3rd to 4th century AD have been identified. A particularly well known seaside villa situated along the northern coast of Sicily is Patti Marina, in the town of Tindari. The excavations brought to light a vast area that might include bot...

The Romans gave much importance to the venatio, a term which, according to most sources, suggests spectacular and deadly fights, sometimes only between animals,but also between men and animals. To replace such gory scenes, there was no lack of performances of domesticated animals that broke up the ...

The Romans gave much importance to the venatio, a term which, according to most sources, suggests spectacular and deadly fights, sometimes only between animals,but also between men and animals. To replace such gory scenes, there was no lack of performances of domesticated animals that broke up th...

The Latin term meaning “sawn work” indicates marble that was specially cut and inlaid to decorate floors and walls with geometric or figurative motifs. This technique saw a considerable increase, especially during the imperial age, through the use of marble from the extensive territories of the...

The Latin term meaning “sawn work” indicates marble that was specially cut and inlaid to decorate floors and walls with geometric or figurative motifs. This technique saw a considerable increase, especially during the imperial age, through the use of marble from the extensive territories of the...

Basilica originates from the Greek stoa basilike, meaning royal space, which became a public space during the Roman period. The basilica consisted of a large room, with one or several naves, divided by columns and usually located near the forum, the public part of the city. The basilica was used a...